142 THE OXALIS. 



had in flower at any season by forcing, and some few- 

 species naturally bloom in summer or early autumn. 



In potting these bulbs, and starting them into growth, 

 one of the primary rules of bulb-culture must be observed ; 

 that is, when the base of the bulb swells, or young roots 

 begin to protrude, the bulb should be potted and watered. 

 With a family so large as the oxalis, it is impossible to 

 prescribe any general rule for potting ; though most of the 

 species cultivated in our greenhouses require only the ordi- 

 nary treatment of Cape bulbs, and, with the other subjects 

 of this chapter, — ixias, babianas, tritonias, and other 

 Cape bulbs of like nature, — need only to be potted in Octo- 

 ber, in rich, light, sandy loam, in well-drained pots. After 

 potting, the bulbs should have a gentle watering, and be kept 

 in a cool, shady, airy place until they begin to grow : they 

 should then be removed to a light, airy shelf, and be grown 

 near the glass all winter, in full sunshine, to perfect a short, 

 sturdy growth. Water should be freely supplied with the 

 syringe to destroy red spider, with whom many of these 

 plants are especial favorites. As soon as the flower-stem 

 appears, a few waterings of weak liquid manure will be 

 found beneficial. 



When the blossoms begin to expand, the pots may be 



